Irene Kiernan

Irene Kiernan

formerly of Red Bank

Irene Kiernan passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2011 at home in California. She was born in Canada on August 10, 1915 and emigrated to the U.S. in her 20s, where she met her husband, James Kiernan. They lived in NYC and Carteret, NJ with their three children. After her husband's passing in 1978, Irene moved to Holmdel, NJ with daughter Gail and Joe Scafaria helping care for her grandchildren. In 1986 she moved to Florida, returning to Red Bank, NJ in 1998 where she was active at the Red Bank Senior Center. Following a severe stroke in 2007, she was lovingly cared for by her daughters in California for her remaining years, enjoying sightseeing and visits from family and friends. Irene was an avid traveler having visited all of North America, Europe and the Pacific. A lifelong student and educator, she inspired a love for learning in all. A lover of languages and writing, Irene corresponded with friends into her 90s. Her kindness and loyalty, regard for all peoples, staunch defense of the underdog, as well as a truly amazing sense of humor remained with her until the end.

Irene is survived by her children, Barbara Kiernan, Gail Scafaria, and Dennis Kiernan, grandchildren, Vincent Scafaria, Lorene Scafaria, and Jimmy Kiernan, and four great-grandchildren.

Visitations will be held on Friday, March 25 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at John E. Day Funeral Home, 33 Allen Place, Red Bank, NJ 07701. Mass will be held on Saturday, March 26 at 10am at St. James Catholic Church, 94 Broad Street, Red Bank, New Jersey 07701. Irene will be laid to rest at Clover Leaf Memorial Park, US Highway 1 South & Route 35 Woodbridge, NJ 07095. Please visit Irene Kiernan's, memorial website available at www.johnedayfuneralhome.com